February 14, 2006 - Product developers can now access SofTec Microsystems Development Tools from anywhere around the globe. SofTec Microsystems' products will give hobbyists, students, and engineers within small or large companies an easier introduction to designing with Freescale Semiconductor's 8-bit microcontrollers.

Following years of working closely together, Freescale Semiconductor and SofTec Microsystems have formed a strategic partnership. The move will see SofTec Microsystems products distributed directly at DevToolDirect (http://www.freescale.com/devtooldirect) and through Freescale Semiconductor's global distribution channel.

"SofTec Microsystems has a very special talent in making complex matters very straightforward. Our products are made by developers for developers, aiming to give the most positive and efficient out-of-the-box experience to their peers", says Michelle McKeown, SofTec Microsystems VP and Development Tools Division Marketing Manager. "We are thrilled that Freescale has recognized our expertise in delivering superior products and services."

A leader in the European market, SofTec Microsystems' inDART-HC08 and inDART HCS08 Series will allow Freescale's customers designing with 8-bit microcontrollers to introduce their products to market faster and easier. The inDART-HC(S)08 Series are powerful programming and debugging tools for Freescale's HC08 and HCS08-based systems. inDART-HC(S)08 takes advantage of Freescale's CodeWarrior development environment to debug the user program. Together, this provides the designer with everything needed to compile, download, in-circuit emulate and debug user code.

Full-speed program execution allows designers to perform hardware and software testing in real time. inDART-HC(S)08 is connected to the host PC through a USB port.

inDART-HC08 and inDART-HCS08 Series main features:

• In-circuit debugging;
• Real-time code execution;
• Built-in FLASH programmer;
• USB connection to the host PC;
• In-circuit programming and debugging through standard BDM- and MON08- compatible interfaces;
• Specific evaluation boards with sample microcontroller included in Design Kits, for example: inDART-HC08/GP.

inDART-HC08/D and InDART-HCS08/D are now available from Freescale.

Freescale will also carry:

"SofTec Microsystems' consistent delivery of leading-edge development tools makes them a best-in-class partner", said Renee Mitchell, Freescale Operations Manager, 8-bit Microcontrollers. "This partnership allows Freescale's 8-bit customers more development options and higher-quality tools to quickly and seamlessly build applications."

To purchase, visit: http://www.freescale.com/devtooldirect.